New Zealand qualified for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final match held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, 5 March 2025. (Match Highlights | More Cricket News)
The Mitchell Santner-led Kiwi side registered a comprehensive victory by excelling in all three departments. They will now face India in the summit clash on Sunday, 9 March in Dubai.
New Zealand vs South Africa: Playing XIs
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Batting first, New Zealand amassed 362 runs on the board, which is the highest total in the history of Champions Trophy. Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra hit centuries to help their team set an above par total in Lahore.
Ravindra made 108 runs which included 13 fours and one six and also added 164 runs for the second wicket with veteran Williamson. That was the highest partnership for any wicket for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.
It was Ravindra's fifth ODI century. His all centuries have come in ICC tournaments. Playing just his 33rd ODI match, he also holds the record for most tons for New Zealand in ICC events.
The former Kiwi captain completed his 15th ODI century in just 91 deliveries. His 102-run knock included 10 fours and two sixes.
Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49 not out) played crucial knocks to help their team set the biggest total of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Lungi Ngidi was the most successful bowler for South Africa who took three wickets. Kagiso Rabada took a couple of wickets whereas Wiaan Mulder took the crucial wicket of Williamson.
In response, South African opener Ryan Rickelton started well with a couple of boundaries in the first over. But he lost his wicket to Matt Henry in the fifth over.
Rassie van der Dussen (69) and Temba Bavuma (56) added 105 runs for the second wicket but Mitchell Santner broke their partnership in the 23rd over. He also got rid of the destructive batter Heinrich Klaasen and shifted the momentum in New Zealand's side.
Aiden Markram (31) and David Miller tried to mend the Proteas' inning but Rachin Ravindra dismissed Markram with a caught & bowled. Miller kept holding one end but wickets kept falling from the other side.
He shifted gears in the last few overs and completed his century on the last delivery of the match. He took 67 balls to complete his ton which included 10 fours and four sixes.
Ravindra was named Player of the Match for his match winning performance with the bat and ball as well. He bowled five overs and conceded just 20 runs while taking one crucial wicket of Markram.
Santner picked three wickets whereas Phillips and Henry took a brace of wickets each. New Zealand used seven bowlers in the match.
Now, they will move to Dubai where they will face the other finalist India in the summit clash on Sunday, 9 March. India defeated Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
